Hey Guys,

Well, I started considering upgrades that I want to make to the stock stereo system (or rather, I should say replacement of same) and I'm just not a stereo-knowledgable guy yet.

I've been reading about car stereos all morning and I've learned alot, but I need some audiophiles to toss out some recommendations for head units and amps to go with the speakers I've chosen.

The speakers I've chosen are the Infinity Kappa 42.7i for the front and the Infinity Kappa 63.7i for the rear.

Infinity Kappa 42.7i
Continuous power usage: 50watts RMS
Peak power usage: 150watts
Range: 75Hz-21kHz
Sensitivity: 93dB
Impedance: 2Ohms

I chose these speakers because they're a "two-way" design (meaning they have 2 seperate drivers, one as a tweeter for upper range and one for the mid-bass), and they use an edge-driven dome driver (which means better sound quality but more expensive than cone or half-dome drivers). Three-ways weren't available this small, but that's fine. I also like the fact that they say they're aimable, to bring the soundstage up to you when the speakers are mounted down low.


Infinity Kappa 63.7i
Continuous power usage: 75watts RMS
Peak power usage: 225watts
Range: 45Hz-25kHz
Sensitivity: 95dB
Impedance: 2Ohms

These are the big brother of the small ones, and are "three way" so they have drivers for low, mid and high. Both the small and big ones have upper ranges beyond human hearing, and the low end isn't bad for small speakers that aren't woofers. As you can tell from my choices, I'm aiming for quality sound, not quantity sound.



And here's where things get interesting. I want to get a 4-channel amp to run these speakers, but I've noticed that unlike most speakers out there, these have an Impedance of 2Ohm, instead of 4Ohm. I've read more math formulas today than I did in my last year of college, but I can't figure out what specs I need on an amp to be able to properly power these speakers and provide clear, crisp sound, while not being huge. I want to mount it so that it's hidden, so if I can get one that won't produce a massive amount of heat trying to power 4 x 2Ohm speakers, I can put it under the passenger seat or inside the bin where the stock one is.

Also, I'm looking for a head unit that can do CD/MP3 (no need for sat radio, though it would be nice), but the main concern is that I want one that looks at home sitting in my console. I know it sounds silly, but I want my car to look like it came with the deck in it (I'll be getting one of those stereo+gauge panels from here on the forum).


So if you guys have any suggestions for good amps and quality headunits that fit the Grey S3 ('84) interior styling, I'd love to hear 'em!

Jon

 

Pop a link to where you saw these speakers...20 ohm resistance car audio speakers is whack unless you're going to parallel 4 of the suckers on each channel to get the most out of the amp you can...

 

Well... You can go with bigger speakers up front with a pair of the new, fabulous, incredible, amazing $100T2 kickpanels.

As far as headunits, here's what I just got for my FB:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...e=STRK:MEWN:IT

 

Altho I know you're wanting a stock looking headunit, at least give Crutchfield a try for your speakers and amps AND technical questions/support.

Can't remember how many times I've posted this:

www.crutchfield.com

I get all my stuff through them and have never been disappointed. You're provided with "What Fits My Car?" links that guide you towards whatever actually fits with your car. Headunits, speakers, etc. Not to mention that anything you buy from them, they offer all necessary brackets, din brackets, wiring, and connectors for you to ensure a completely hassle-free installation. Plus, their tech support is the best. When I installed new speakers into my FB, and came across the joystick fader/balancer issue, the tech guy already had answers on how to bypass it all. 1 hour later, I was enjoying my tunes. Any questions you have, go with Crutchfield. They'll stay on the phone with you as long as you need help. Best place you could spend your money on, audio wise. And that's my two cents.

 

Your eyesight is whack It's 2 Ohm, I just didn't put a space and capitalized the O, so it looked like "2Ohm"

Jon

 

I'm thinking it's actually 75 watts rms @ 4 Ohms for the rears, so you'll need and amp that is rated around that per channel to work most efficiently with the speakers you have chosen. The Crutchfield site is a good place to look at pictures and get some info, but don't order from there. Prices are whack...

Ack....Crutchfield really does say they're 2.0 Ohm! I wonder what's up with that? In that case, if Crutchfield is right, you won't even need a big amp...now you're looking at 40 watt rms or so @ 4.0 Ohms per channel.

 

Crutchfield prices whack? Man, what places are you shopping at to get lower prices than those? Honest Rusty's (pieces of ****) Electronics? And he leaves his engine running to keep the A/C circulating. But, seriously, tho, I've found their prices to be way cheaper even after shipping compared to Circuit City, Best Buy, and Tweeter when you also add in the din brackets and everything else that would cost you extra at a walk-in store. Not to mention tech support is far better than any young blood you find at a Circuit City or Best Buy.

 

http://www.infinitysystems.com/caraudio/product.aspx?ProdId='KAPPA42.7I'&Ser=KAP&Cat=MEL

http://www.infinitysystems.com/caraudio/product.aspx?ProdId='KAPPA63.7I'&Ser=KAP&Cat=MEL

there's your info, 2 ohms each.

Jon

 

I see...::straightface::

 

35x4 amp will be ok, but with that in mind, most aftermarket decks nowadays will give you enough power to run those speakers.

 

I think I'm going to go with this amplifier, to keep things within the same brand:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-yLilcKJ...splay=Infinity

http://www.infinitysystems.com/caraudio/product.aspx?ProdId='REF7541A'&Ser=REF&Cat=AMP

Though I'm sure I can find it much cheaper on Ebay.

Still not sure about the headunit.

Jon

 

Well, if you're trying to go with a nice stock-esc look, Crutchfield definintely wouldn't help. eBay might be your only way, if you're lucky. Tho, if you're wanting MP3/CD capability, complete aftermarket may be the only way. The DIN bracket I got from Crutchfield allowed me to either mount a (supplied) flush panel to close up the gap on the little storage bin that resides under my headunit. Granted, it doesn't look stock but I love it.

 

I'm sure just a head unit would *run* the speakers, but judging by the math I saw on some of the pages today, it's highly unlikely that a headunit would be able to provide 350watts RMS even on 2 ohms reliably and clearly. I could be wrong, but I've always been willing to be more "overkill" than "should be okay".

I mean, technically right now I don't *need* a 110amp FD alt, the FB one *should* be okay. But I've got one

Jon

 

Well I don't want it to be *completely* stock looking, I just don't want one that sticks out like a sore thumb. Black or silver, and if I can get it with the display in red so that it matches my other console stuff (like the speedo and tach) even better.

Jon

 

My Pioneer speakers are only being fed by my Pioneer headunit and I love it. No problems in sound on my end, altho a amp would feed it more power, but I have no need to add an amp. I enjoy the sound I'm getting.


And, the headunit doesn't stick out that much for me actually. Just the faceplate of it rests against the stereo panel, and sticks out about, I'd say, 1/2 an inch.

And, the only two designers of headunits where you might have luck with it being in red is probably Sony Xplod or Blaupunkt. Tho, I despise both. Pioneer man right here.

Here is a closeup of what my headunit looks like. Hope this helps, this came from the pinned article in the archive.
https://www.rx7club.com/attachment.p...hmentid=167874

 

hmm... then I'm going to have to measure the depth and see if I can find something that isn't so deep.

Thanks for the heads up!

Jon

 

Ergh, was hoping you'd be able to read my previous post before you posted, so that you could catch what my headunit looks like. It went right in, thanks to the supplied DIN bracket, and unlike what Chevy does (sticks out REALLY bad), mine just sticks out 1/2 inch at most. Count the **** for probably 3/4 out.

 

Jeez, that's not too bad at all.

Jon

 

Hell yeah. Sure, it stands out due to it being aftermarket but at least it doesn't stick out by a foot! *L*

If you do go with an aftermarket headunit, go Crutchfield. I cannot stress enough how great they are. (When you buy speakers from them, also, they'll send you mounting brackets, along with all wiring connectors, just in case you might need them. I didn't, tho. )

And, if you'd like, I can take a picture of my headunit further away to show how it looks amidst the console.

 

if you have the cash, kappas are the way to go. Simply the best sounding and quality speakers made.

If you have clearence issues there should be a shallow version.
this is reference but heres an example.
http://www.cardomain.com/item/INFREF6012SI?vq_id=none

 

If you havent bought your infinity's yet...


https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=539054


although i will admit, I have no idea how far away you are from me

 

i have infinity speakers and i wouldnt change away for anything. i think you will love them!

 

When I said 35x4 amp, that was 35x4 at 4 ohms. It would be quite a bit of overkill on the fronts and be just right on the rear. Ask Rich, my stereo system in my car is just right.

 

kappas are the way to go. as for headunit, i strongly suggest eclipse.

 

**** eclipse, those things are ugly and the user interface sucks *****. I say for best overall looks and ease, go with either kenwood or panasonic.